When the musical “Godspell” by Stephen Schwartz first debuted off Broadway in 1971, it contained songs that have now become part of popular culture, including “Day By Day” and “Learn Your Lessons Well.”
In 2012, the musical was slightly rewritten and experienced a revival, and Valparaiso University’s R. Andrew White says it is this incarnation that will be at the heart of his production of “Godspell” that he directs for the theater.
The story tells the Biblical tale of Jesus’ life, ending with the Last Supper and the Crucifixion.
“It will be true to the original, but the difference is we’re doing the 2012 revision and that has all of the familiar music, but the orchestrations are more updated, so it has less of the ’70s vibe to it,” White says.
The production runs from Oct. 8 to 17 and features 10 Valparaiso University students in an ensemble cast of characters, including Jesus, John the Baptist and Judas Iscariot.
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Of the cast, which is on stage during the entire show, White says, “It’s such an ensemble piece, and it’s not written in such a way that one really stands out over the other. Everybody has their moment, their solo, and it’s ensemble driven.”
The messages of “Godspell” are ones that resonate just as well today as they did when the show debuted, says White. They include themes of love, compassion, forgiveness, and of course spiritual messages.
White says, “It’s universal and the music and the themes are timeless, whether you’re a Christian or not. It’s about community, it’s about coming together, and it’s timeless.”
Valerie Webdell serves as musical director and the 10 members of the cast tell parables using games, storytelling and comedy with musical numbers, ranging in style from pop to vaudeville, mixed in.
Heather Augustyn is a freelance writer.
“Godspell”
Where: Valparaiso University Theatre, 1709 Chapel Drive, Valparaiso
When: 8 p.m. Oct. 8, 9, and 16; 2 p.m. Oct. 10, 11, 17, and 18
Tickets: $15 for adults; $10 for seniors and students; free to Valpo students, faculty, and staff
Information: 219-464-5162 or valpo.edu/theatre/performances/